Wis. Assembly OKs 2 more heroin bills

Associated Press

February 20, 2014 - 6:05 PM

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Assembly has approved two more bills designed to curb heroin abuse.

The first bill would require the Department of Corrections to set up a formal system of quick sanctions short of prison for offenders who violate their parole or probation. The bill's author, Republican Rep. John Nygren, says faster sanctions would help heroin addicts get treatment center.

The other measure would require state health officials to create regional opiate treatment centers in underserved areas. Nygren wrote that bill, too.

The Assembly passed the sanctions bill on a voice vote and the treatment centers proposal 95-1 on Thursday. Both bills now go to the state Senate.

The Legislature has passed four other Nygren-authored heroin bills over the last two months.